LACMA trustee Michael Smooke dies at 81
Michael Smooke, a dedicated trustee of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), has passed away. His involvement with the museum began in 1974 when he joined the Modern and Contemporary Art Council, and he became a board member in 1992, following in his father's footsteps. Along with his wife, Terri, he played a vital role in enhancing the museum’s collection with works from artists like Thomas Demand and Ed Ruscha. Smooke also contributed to the Building LACMA project and was actively engaged with numerous organizations, including the Beverly Hills Fine Art Commission. He is survived by his family.
Key facts
- Michael Smooke died in 2026.
- He was a LACMA trustee.
- He joined the Modern and Contemporary Art Council in 1974.
- He joined the LACMA board in 1992.
- He succeeded his father Nathan Smooke as trustee.
- The Smookes funded acquisitions of works by Thomas Demand, Senga Nengudi, Joe Ray, Ed Ruscha, Alexis Smith, Diana Thater, and Haegue Yang.
- Their generosity named Rita Gonzalez's position as curator and department head of Contemporary Art.
- He chaired the Beverly Hills Fine Art Commission.
Entities
Artists
- Thomas Demand
- Senga Nengudi
- Joe Ray
- Ed Ruscha
- Alexis Smith
- Diana Thater
- Haegue Yang
Institutions
- LACMA
- Modern and Contemporary Art Council
- Beverly Hills Fine Art Commission
- Jewish Community Foundation
- Cedars Sinai Medical Center
Locations
- Los Angeles
- United States
- Beverly Hills